Claustro Iglesia Santa María de los Arcos

Claustro Iglesia de Santa María de los Arcos en Navarra

Along the Camino de Santiago we find a huge number of architectural monuments of great relevance arranged by different cities such as Navarra. The foral community located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula is, without a doubt, one of the territories that have experienced the adventure of thousands of pilgrims. The history of the Camino de Santiago in Navarre is culturally very important, since in addition to having outstanding representations of Romanesque art, we find the Church of Santa Maria de los Arcos. 

The Cloister of the Church of Santa María de los Arcos is one of the most relevant buildings in Navarre, and it is not very difficult to understand why. Located between Estella-Lizarra and Viana, in the middle of the Jacobean Route, the Navarrese community is fortunate to house a spectacular building that was erected and restored between the twelfth and seventeenth centuries, which means that in it we can find both Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque style.

The Church of Santa María de los Arcos houses one of the most spectacular organs in Navarre.

The origins of the Church of Santa María de los Arcos date back to the 12th century, when it was one of the most significant churches on the Camino de Santiago. However, in order to preserve this incredible piece of architecture, the building underwent a series of reforms that concluded in the 17th century, when the Baroque period was in full swing. It is possible to access the temple through the outstanding Renaissance façade, but the Baroque decoration of its interior makes it a tourist and cultural attraction.

While the 16th century Plateresque portico is one of the best examples of the Navarrese Renaissance, its interior preserves a magnificent 17th century main altarpiece featuring mainly the Gothic portrait of Saint Mary, as well as other overloaded altarpieces in the Baroque style. In addition, it should be added that the Church of Santa María de los Arcos houses one of the most extraordinary organs in Navarre. In short, the architecture, art and history make it have a brilliance of its own.